Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005

SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH FAIRNESS ACT OF 2005 -- (House of Representatives - July 26, 2005)

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Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate that while we are in the midst of a healthcare crisis for the uninsured, for small businesses, and for practitioners, Congress is recycling the same flawed legislation. The proposal would allow association health plans to bypass the State solvency framework requirements, leaving the consumers at a significant risk.

The reason that over 1,350 business, labor, and community organizations oppose H.R. 525--including organizations such as the National Governors Association, 41 Attorneys General, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, National Small Business United and 69 local Chambers of Commerce-is because it not only misses the point, it will make things worse.

The bill would undermine our efforts to provide essential services to everyone by providing incentives to insure only the healthiest and wealthiest, leaving the vast majority of over ½ million uninsured Oregonians and 45 million uninsured Americans behind. Even worse, the adverse selection process will mean that the insurance pool will be narrower and sicker, resulting in more expensive insurance for most families. Furthermore, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that 8 million individuals who currently have health coverage will be switched to a lower benefit plan. Consumers may be denied the proper screening, procedures and treatment they deserve.

These are critical issues for taxpayers and businesses alike. I will continue to work with the healthcare and business community to produce the type of process, discussion and legislation Americans critically deserve.

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